“Anne and I are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Chief Smerdel, a veteran firefighter laid to rest this week. His bravery and decades of committed service to the people of San Francisco will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and the entire San Francisco Fire Department family.”

Chief Smerdel, 59, was found deceased in his office on September 10 after returning from a fire call.

Chief Smerdel was a 26-year veteran of the San Francisco Fire Department. He is survived by his wife, Cyndy; daughter, Danica; son, Jack; sister, Kathy; and brother, retired San Francisco Fire Battalion Chief Tony Smerdel.